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I stood up from the chair, maintaining the distance between us so he couldn’t seduce me. “Your shoulder is—”

“Healed. You talked with the doctor, and he said that I can even start training.” He gave me a mischievous smile, “Cardioto be precise.”

I sighed and pulled my hair free from the bun. “That doesn’t mean you are healthy enough to have sex—ah!”

I should have known better not to say that out loud. My back landed on the soft sheets and Ethan hovered above me. A soft moan poured out of my lips when he settled between my thighs, his hips pressing against mine. I felt the hard heat of his erection press into me.

Knowing he had to support himself on his hands, which might strain his muscles. I rolled us over, his eyes trailing down my top to the pebbled peaks of my nipples. Holding his jaw, I said, “We are not having sex . . . or making babies tonight. I don’t want you to hurt yourself, Ethan.”

He let out a defeated sigh, his warm hands stroking my thighs, “Okay, Bella. I will let you go. But only for tonight.”

I smiled at him and was about to leave his lap when he pulled me back. “I need to ask you about something,” he said, his thumb rubbing the pulse on my wrist.

“Remember your mother’s paintings? I wanted to ask if you would like to set up an auction for them. It could be for children with cancer, like the gala we attended, or any other charity you want to support,” he finished with a small smile.

I let his words soak in for a moment. A grin covered my lips, and I hugged him. “That’s a brilliant idea, Ethan! I think she would want this too.” I claimed his lips for a sweet moment. “But I would need to talk to my brother and father before we go further.”

“Of course, Bella. I know Mr. Stone and a friend of mine, Khalid, would love to help us.”

“What?” My breath hitched in my throat, “You know Khalid Al-Latif?TheKhalid Al-Latif?Thebrother of the Sultan of Azmia? The artist who paintedLimerence?”

Ethan narrowed his eyes at me. “Yes, I do. Don’t be so surprised. He was my and Rio’s roommate for a year. We shared an apartment when he was in New York.”

“I think I might faint.”

He rolled his eyes and pinched my ass, making me grin. “Talk to your family, and if they agree, we can plan the charity together if you want.”

“They will,” I kissed his cheek. “Thank you for being so thoughtful, Ethan. I would love to plan this with you.”

The shy smile I received in return was one of the sweetest ones I have ever received, and I would cherish it in my heart. I went to my room and video called my brother and father. I told them about Ethan’s idea, and as I had suspected, they willingly agreed to it.

“So, you are living with Ethan?” my brother asked, crossing his arms.

“How are things with him?” Dad asked. Folding the newspaper he was reading, he removed his glasses to look at me.

I forced my cheeks not to flush and replied, “Things are great, Dad. You know how he is.”

They both nodded, narrowing their eyes at me. Karan asked, “Do you like him?”

“Of course, I like him.”

“Love him?”

Yes.

I cleared my throat, “I am not sure about my feelings at the moment, Karan.”

Dad pressed on, “If you could marry him, have kids with him, would you?”

You have no idea, Dad.

“Dad! You both need to stop whatever you are doing. I like him, maybe more than that, but—”

“She loves him,” Karan said to Dad.

My father agreed with a small smile, “She does.”

“When do you think they will get married?” Karan asked.

“By next year, I suppose.”

With my cheeks flaming red, I shook my head at them. “You both are unbelievable. I am going. Goodnight and take care of yourself.”

I ended the call and sighed, laying down on the bed. A small smile played on my lips and butterflies flapped in my stomach at the weird feeling in my heart. I giggled and hid my face with my hands.

I was so whipped it was embarrassing.